We were very saddened to hear the news of Sam’s passing on New Years Eve 2020.
Sam was an integral part of setting up Safe Schools Alliance U.K. She worked quietly in the background, like so many women, for no pay and no recognition; just for the desire to see a better world for her daughter, granddaughter and all children. Her untimely passing was the final injustice, in a year full of them.
In tribute to Sam though, we must remember the positives of the last year and the positives of Sam’s life and her contributions to ensuring the safety and rights of women and children. Sam always looked on the bright side and never dwelt on the hand she had been dealt. She was always ready to concentrate on the good in her life and listen to what was going on in the lives of others. She was immensely proud of her husband Bryan, daughter Freyja and granddaughter Aspen. Our thoughts are with them all as they enter the new year without her.
Sam was every woman and she was an extraordinary woman. We hope Sam was as proud of her own achievements as she was of those of others, because it is through these persistent, everyday actions from invisible women, that children are kept safe and the world is made a better place. Thank you, Sam, for everything you contributed to campaigning in 2020: onwards and upwards to 2021. We will all keep campaigning as our ongoing tribute to you.
She sounds like an extraordinary woman of great strength and integrity and one for whom child safeguarding was of paramount importance. My condolences to all her friends and family and all at Safe Schools Alliance as you carry on her fight for effective safeguarding for all children at all times. You have my full support in 2023 and beyond.